Social Hierarchy
1st: Imperial Family
2nd: Grand Duchy of the Empire = King of a Kingdom
3rd: Duchy of the Empire = Queen, Princess, Prince of a Kingdom
4th: Marquessate of the Empire = Duchy of a Kingdom
5th: Earldom of the Empire = Marquessate of a Kingdom
6th: Barony of the Empire = Earldom of a Kingdom
7th: Viscountcy of the Empire = Barony of a Kingdom
8th: Viscountcy of a Kingdom
9th: Lower Nobility (Illegitimate children of high nobility, or children of noble houses who did not inherit the title)
10th: Commoners
Entities the Imperial Family cannot treat lightly: Magic Tower Master, Temple
A Kingdom cannot treat Imperial Nobility lightly.

Imperial Hierarchy
1st: Emperor
2nd: Empress
3rd: Crown Prince, Crown Princess
4th: Prince, Princess
5th: Concubine

Identification of Status
Imperial names consist of a Given Name, a Middle Name (based on appearance or achievements), and the Empire's Name.
All others use their House Name.

Temple Hierarchy
1st: Pope
2nd: High Priest (Even the Pope cannot treat them lightly)
3rd: Priest
Though lower in rank than the Imperial Family, they are entities that cannot be treated lightly.

Magic Tower Hierarchy
1st: Magic Tower Master
2nd: Archmage
3rd: Mage
4th: Lower Mage

National Hierarchy
1st: Empire
2nd: Independent Kingdom
3rd: Vassal Kingdom of the Empire
4th: Principality
5th: Vassal Principality of the Empire
Rank on the continent is higher based on cultural advancement, influence, and scale.

Imperial Affiliates
1st: Imperial Knight Commander, Chancellor, Imperial Secretary
2nd: Imperial Knights, Administrative Officials, Imperial Physicians
3rd: Maids, Servants
Imperial affiliates cannot be treated lightly, even by high-ranking nobility.

Using nicknames is only permitted between lovers or family. Doing so otherwise is a clear act of rudeness. Sending items like accessories, dresses, or shoes (or handkerchiefs and watches for men) to someone indicates romantic interest. If a young nobleman adds 'Lady' or 'Mademoiselle' after a request to a young noblewoman, it is effectively a confession. Adding complimentary adjectives (beautiful, radiant, jewel-like, etc.) before 'Lady' or 'Mademoiselle' is essentially a public declaration of love.

Stepping on a partner's foot intentionally while dancing is a social signal meaning 'I dislike you.'

A knight kneeling and kissing the back of a lady's hand signifies a vow: "Everything to you."
A nobleman kissing a noblewoman's hand with one hand behind his back is a polite or casual greeting, but doing so without the hand behind his back is an act of courtship.

A nobleman gently touching a lock of a noblewoman's hair and smelling its scent signifies romantic interest and asks, 'Where are you going?'